Final Entry Deadline

Friday 5 June 2020

Gasholders

Jonathan Tuckey Design

Jonathan Tuckey Design was responsible for the interior architecture of the 145 apartments within the King's Cross Gasholders, responding to both the 19th century industrial structures and the new dramatic architectural insertions. Wilkinson Eyre were responsible for the overall design of the Gasholders, which included the communal areas such as the reception, atria, terraces, spar, gym, business lounge and entertainment suite. Jonathan Tuckey Design were responsible for the interior architecture of the unique series of apartments and collaborated on the design of the common parts.

The material palette for the interiors was inspired by a series of precedents discussed with the client, King's Cross Central Limited Partnership, which combines the mechanized character of the building with a desire to give sculptural form to each accommodation.

The varying apartment types, shaped by an intricate geometry follow a very specific wedge-shape form as the plans expand outwards from the dramatic atria at the centre of the Gasholders to the curved external facades. These dramatic spaces have been opened up where possible to create living areas that are connected to both the core of the building and the aspect that looks out over King's Cross.

The heights within the apartments appear greatly increased thanks to full-height windows and a reflective resin floors. The resin has been poured to ensure that there are no awkward joins or collisions across the distinct geometry of the apartments, creating a series of calm and seamless spaces.

Within the open-plan living areas, the kitchens have been designed to play on the mechanical nature of the overall building. This is achieved by using through-coloured engineered board for the units and the application of brushed stainless steel and brass. Mirrored panels and flush, flat-panel light fittings in the ceilings exaggerate the sculptural forms of the kitchens. The mechanized approach is continued inside the master bedrooms, which are edged with brass, connecting them with the perforated metal shutters that shade each apartment that also feature brass details, revealed as they open and close, controlled from within by the resident.

The bathrooms by contrast are lined in bespoke concrete tiles and panels and feature matching concrete washbasins. The solidity of these interiors is complimented by details similar to those found in the kitchens with their use of flush light panels, mirror and brass accents; these elements interact visually to increase the sense of scale in these rooms.